Amnesty International issued a travel advisory for people visiting the United States over “gun violence” on Wednesday.
The advisory comes days after the U.S. faced two mass shootings less than 24 hours apart. Over 20 people were killed when a man opened fire inside a Walmart in El Paso, Texas. Hours later, nine people were murdered in a shooting in Dayton, Ohio.
The group, which seeks to “protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth, and dignity are denied,” issued three suggestions for people who decide to travel in the U.S.
Today we issue a travel warning calling for travelers & visitors to the United States to exercise extreme caution & have a contingency plan when travelling throughout the country. This is due to ongoin rampant gun violence in the United States. pic.twitter.com/eVVeMnAOOP
— Amnesty International (@amnesty) August 7, 2019
“Be extra vigilant at all times and be wary of the ubiquity of firearms among the population,” it reads. “Avoid places where large numbers of people gather, especially cultural events, places of worship, schools, and shopping malls. Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.”
Amnesty International also warned that, “Depending on the traveler’s gender identity, race, country of origin, ethnic background, or sexual orientation, they may be at higher risk of being targeted with gun violence, and should plan accordingly.”
In the aftermath of the shooting, Uruguay issued a travel warning to the U.S., as well.
It advises travelers “to avoid areas with large concentrations of people like theme parks, shopping centers, art festivals, religious events, food festivals, and any kind of cultural or sporting gathering.”
